Awesome, mytime and susanc! Would you believe it - I actually tried to grow it here a long time ago - the people at the nursery said it would survive Chicago's unpredictable weather (thanks to climate change) - of course it promptly died within that season. I have since changed my philosophy - I will simply enjoy looking at the plants wherever they grow and take pics for future enjoyment. I don't need to grow them in my yard or own them in any way. I must say that has made me much happier :-) Shyamala

Hi TJ I looked at the beak but it seems a lot shorter than that of the Dowitcher (a short-billed one at that!). I enlarged the pic a little -does this help? Thanks Shyamala

Thanks Gail and TMFF! Belted kingfishers apparently nest in the area of Cape Breton where I saw them in the first week of July,2011. After looking at more of my pics and comparing them with the images on the web, I believe that is what I took pics of. Folks in this forum are such great resources and willing to share their knowledge! Thanks again to both! Shyamala

yet another shot